The American University in Dubai (AUD) has unveiled two new bachelor’s degree programs designed to enhance the UAE’s capabilities in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and gaming. The new offerings, a Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development and a concentration in AI in Business, were announced during the 2025 Education for Employment Conference, which carried the theme “Innovate & Play: Navigating the Future of AI & Gaming.”

This year’s conference brought together experts from both academia and industry to discuss how academic innovation intersects with emerging technologies in the rapidly evolving digital economy. Dr. Kyle Long, the university president, acknowledged the UAE’s groundbreaking initiative to appoint a Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Omar Sultan Al Olama, who is also an AUD alumnus.

Among the highlights was a panel discussion moderated by Sophie Boutros, the executive director of the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (MBRSC). The discussion included insights from industry leaders like Modhar Khan, the regional manager of Artificial Intelligence MENA at SLB; Faisal Kazim, the director of Future Foresight at Dubai Future Foundation; and Dr. Assaad Farah, the dean of the School of Business at AUD.

The Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development aligns with the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, initiated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister. This initiative aims to rank Dubai among the top 10 global gaming hubs and create 30 000 new jobs in the sector.

Kazim emphasized the need for versatile skills in the evolving tech landscape, pointing out that while few skills remain future-proof, game development and design come very close. He noted that game engines are now pivotal not just in gaming but also across various sectors including film, television, and real estate.

Khan highlighted Dubai’s unique position as a leader in AI, stating that the city has become a testing ground for innovation, thanks to its abundant talent and visionary culture. Dr. Farah discussed the collaborative approach taken to develop the Bachelor of Business Administration in AI in Business, emphasizing that the program aims to bridge technical AI knowledge with strategic business decision-making. He remarked, “AI is like the wind — you can’t stop it, but you can harness it.”

Following the panel discussion, students participated in interactive workshops focused on AI and gaming technologies, led by Sandy Hanna, Creative Director – Innovation & Growth at Publicis Groupe, and Dr. Iyad AlSabouni, program coordinator for the Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development.

The new programs will be launched in the Fall 2025 semester, aimed at cultivating a skilled workforce ready for future opportunities in these fields. Boutros underscored the role of MBRSC in leading media education in the UAE, stating that the new gaming program, developed in collaboration with the School of Cinematic Arts at USC, aims to equip the UAE ecosystem with the necessary talent.

The gaming program has received accreditation from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and is pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.